• 5
• Calm and delicious food

We discovered Lucky Zen & Veg when our usual favorite (Vegetarian Lifestyle) gave us a coupon for a free noodle dish. We've gone back semi-regularly ever since for the delicious, healthy food and serene setting. The restaurant is outfitted in neutral, earthy shades with lots of wood and taupe fabric. The tables are spaced generously apart which keeps things calm and quiet. All very zen, as it's English name suggests. I think that this restaurant might deserve two carrots for the price rating, however. I must have made a mistake when I submitted the info. We went here again last night and had a large meal for two, which came to 111 yuan. We had the spring rolls (good, but not amazing), the tofu hearts with green sauce which is unexpectedly wonderful (and adorable), the evergreen parcels (a cold dish that is tasty and unique), wontons (good, but the same filling as the evergreen parcels), and a spicy vegetable vermicelli dish. Everything is well-prepared and service is professional, yet unobtrusive. Other dishes to try are the seaweed rolls and "Turkestan food" (mock kebabs). The menu is very large and it always takes us a long time to choose. The English menu is very descriptive and even describes the flavors of various dishes as "salty and bland" or "spicy and sweet". No alcohol is served but there are many teas and juices to choose from as well as soy milk. The staff speaks some English, but if you don't speak Mandarin, you will be better off just pointing at what you want. They have an attached tea shop and also sell books, vegan cookies and snacks, and other goods. The location is not the most convenient, but we've never had trouble getting a cab and the distance to the Xintiandi is walkable if you're wearing decent shoes. Come here when your mom is visiting and you actually want to hear each other talk or when you want a low-key dining experience with fresh, nutritious food. Reservations are accepted, but we've never had a problem getting a table; however, we usually come on week nights. Highly recommended.